Leicester Tigers boss Richard Cockerill has revealed that they are close to completing the signing of back-rower Michael Noone.

The Tigers have seen Craig Newby and Ben Woods retire in recent weeks and despite Cockerill bringing in Brett Deacon and Richard Thorpe prior to the start of the season, he is close to securing the signature of ex-Leinster and Doncaster's Noone.

Noone can play across the back-row and Cockerill is also keen on bringing in Bourgoin's Wessel Joost. "Michael played for the second team last Monday and did very well," Cockerill told the Leicester Mercury. "We are finalising a contract for him for the rest of the season. He is a raw, young player with a lot of physicality and a real edge about him.

"There is a lot of talent that comes out of Ireland and there is not a lot of room at the table for all of those guys in their own country. He can play across the back-row and can carry the ball well.

"There is a glint in his eye that you get from some of the Irish boys that you meet and he is dead keen to get the opportunity and has shown some raw ability. We need to find the right people to replace the people that have left the club and, at this point, Noone will be a good signing for us."